Commuting from Oakland to SF for nursing school - What's it like?

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I just got accepted to CCSF nursing program for spring 2011 and I'm thinking about moving to Oakland from SF to have cheaper rent while I'm in school. Does anyone have any experience with this? I'm assuming that getting to and from class will be easy since CCSF is right next to a BART station, but what about clinicals? Was this a huge pain? I've never actually lived in Oakland before (lived in SF for about 10 years), we're looking at the Lake Merritt area. We have a car, so I could drive if I have to, but I would prefer to take public transit if at all possible.

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Well, I'm a commuting student who lives in SF and go to school in Oakland, and it takes me roughly 30-45 minutes (depending on traffic).

BUT

I do notice traffic going in to SF is pretty bad sometimes in the morning. The toll is just really bad in the morning. As well as after the bridge (by the Octavia exit). I'm assuming you'll take 280, and well from the bridge to 280 is really long as well.

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Mika,

I understand why you may be considering a move to Oakland in order to help out with expenses. However, I think that you should really reconsider this; I would advise against it if a friend were to ask me.

Traffic is an absolute nightmare in the mornings.... Absolute! And as Chanksta stated... you will run into serious problems at the bridge toll area.

The only way around it really... is if you leave from Oakland by around ... 6:30 AM at the latest- if you can keep up that schedule you may beat traffic.

I can't tell you too much about public transportation or clinicals as I am unfamiliar with where CCSF sends their students for clinicals.

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Yea, honestly East Bay -> to San Francisco is really bad when it comes to traffic.

You might be set to stay in Oakland, but have you consider any other options? I understand San Francisco is a relatively expensive place to live in, but is there a reason why you want to stay in Oakland? There are some other places that are good. Perhaps Daly City?

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I am facing the same issue, i got accepted to ccsf this fall 2010 and would need to move to sf from Sacramento. the rent in sf is way too much, and i would like somewhere maybe 30-1hr away where i can commute to school and something cheap. i wanna go appt hunting but i need ideas of cities i could go check out

thanks.

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Have either of you considered renting a room rather than an apartment for the duration of nursing school? Great way to save money while keeping the commute problems at bay. Look for an apartment share or room in a home situation. Some will even rent rooms to couples. Worth a thought.

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Thanks for all of the ideas so far! I'm actually married, and my husband works in Oakland which is one reason why I'm considering the move. Of course the cheaper rent, as well as more space while I'm studying is another big factor. Right now we are in a fairly expensive, small apartment. We've looked at a couple of very nice 2 bedrooms in Oakland that are about $600/mo less than we pay now. Once I'm in school, I would most likely take BART to and from school, so driving wouldn't be necessary, but it also depends on when and where I had to do my clinicals. I assume that the hospital where you do your clinicals may change every semester, is that correct?

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@mika_sf

it's good that you have the option to take the BART to CCSF. The BART station is relatively close, just a little walk over a hill.

@lilykiss6

There are TONS of places in San Francisco for rent. Honestly, it depends on where you want to stay. My recommendation would be staying in the Sunset. Many homes rent their downstairs that are relatively cheap. Ranging from the $700-$1000. The sunset is a good location being that you can take the MUNu to school.

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@ cHaNkStA

thanks for the suggestion i will definately look into it.

@mika_sf

will you be taking BART from oakland to school?

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@lilykiss6 - yes, if I moved to Oakland I would take BART to class. I would probably drive to clinicals, but it would depend on where they were. For now, we are trying to find something cheaper in San Francisco, and we have plenty of time since I don't start school until next January.

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You might want to figure out how much taking Bart to school will cost you. It's not cheap. It will chip away at the money you save in rent. I'd think about moving to Daly City or the Sunset, as prior posters suggested. Good luck and congrats on your admission!

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Hey Everyone!!

I too am in the same boat. I was accepted in the spring 2011 nursing program and will be commuting from the central valley to ccsf... I thought about moving in or around sf/daly city but the places I've seen are quite costly... Plus I have a large breed dog that I can't bare to give up (my fAm can't care 4 him either will i'm in school) and most places only take small breeds :( My plan is to take Bart from pleasanton to ccsf.??

Does anyone know of others who have commuted while in the nursing program? Did it work for them?? Anyone know where the clinicals will be for this year? I heard there were changes in the contracts with the area hospitals...I just wanna get an idea of costs if commuted to school n clincals..

Well I guess, I have till the end of the year to figure this stuff out, hopefully I can find a decent place in my budget around the area that will let me keep my dog (60+/- lbs) if anyone knws of places?? (note: my dog is quiet/deaf so he doesn't bark n get roudy @ noises like other dogs would.. That's why my current appt. Manager doesn't mind my dog, I've had no complaints since livd there...)

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